Pops Programming - The Next Generation

This seminar is designed for small to mid-size orchestras that offer pops and/or special programs as part of their season’s programming. Pops and special programs allow orchestras to diversify their repertoire and concert offerings, increase profitability, and extend their audience beyond those who enjoy standard classical repertoire. As tastes change and new genres emerge, pops repertoire and artists, as well as presentation formats, evolve and change as well. The seminar will examine how repertoire, artists and presentations have evolved over time, and aid participants in addressing the key questions – “what makes a successful pops program for my orchestra in 2009?” and “what kinds of programmatic adjustments are necessary in today’s economy?” Aimed at artistic administrators, marketing and PR personnel, artist agents, and music publishers, this seminar will examine the future of pops and pops programming. Topics will include: Where does pops programming fit in to the overall artistic profile of your orchestra? Who is the pops audience today and how is that audience being renewed? Orchestra-focused versus artist-focused programs - are we the headliner or the ‘back up band?’ What are the institution's attitudes toward pops subscribers, and what are the best strategies to cultivate them as long-term patrons and donors?

Orchestra Leadership Academy seminars are made possible by grants
from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Argosy Foundation, The Hearst
Foundation, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, The Lynde and Harry
Bradley Foundation, Con Edison, and Target.